A Man of Vision

Sophia Fuller loved her grandfather. He was a pistol. His sense of humour was dark but hilarious. He was feisty and fun, game for anything, and up for everything. He wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but she adored him.

At fifty-five, Grandpa Fuller ran the Boston Marathon. He was a dive and swim instructor for years and when offered the position as the Conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra had graciously declined. He’d been employed as an architect for thirty years and retired early content to continue involvement as a volunteer for various organizations. while continuing his marathon running and playing golf. Nothing much perturbed Grandpa Fuller.

He was a family man and through and through and in his element with Sophia and her brother Marty, delighted when they could spend a weekend together. Sophia and her brother were assured of good times with his primo caramel popcorn, watching late-night movies and sleeping in Saturday mornings followed by chocolate chip pancakes and plenty of whipped cream.

Every second Sunday the entire family shared the entire day and a huge meal with everyone participating in cooking the feast. It was an integral part of family life growing up and continued even after the passing of Grandma Fuller two years hence. That had been one of the only times she’d witnessed her grandfather at an all-time low. He’d try his best to maintain his sense of humour, but he’d often break into tears when assailed by a story or event he’d shared with his wife of forty years. He’d truly adored her and spent his life showing her how much.

Their relationship was truly one of a kind. Sophia had often laughed as she’d watched when he’d danced into the room, across to her grandmother, swept her into his arms and placed a passionate kiss upon her smiling lips. He’d hold her tightly in place and continue dancing her around the room whether she was covered in flour, up to her elbows in dishwater or sipping a cup of tea. When she’d try to push him away on those occasions, he would just laugh hold her tightly in place and continue dancing her around the room, and to her credit, she never once shied away from his affection.

Sophia wanted what they’d had. The way her grandfather had treated her grandmother, the relationship he had with family, the care and love he’d always demonstrated had been strong powerful and meaningful. Not many of the men she’d dated had passed muster. Jobs, sports or something else always held first place in their heart and that was fine, but she wanted more. She wanted a man that demonstrated his affection, wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and wasn’t a snowflake when she spoke her mind.

She’d found Hugo Fuller egotistical and annoying. They’d butted heads the first time they met and had continued to do so ever since. It didn’t matter that he was tall dark and handsome or that his eyes flashed with humour and he wore confidence like a glove. Her grandfather had known him for years and she was resistant at his obvious attempts at throwing them together.

Hugo Fuller, on the other hand, took it with a grain of salt and delighted in antagonizing her. He was a vet and owned the only clinic in the area. Which brought her to her current dilemna. She’d gone to stay with her grandfather to assist with the ranch and to get away from the rat race for a chance of pace. Hugo had volunteered to drop a mare of that had required a little tender loving care.

She hadn’t noticed him and was intently washing Jersey down when he’d nonchalantly walked over and upended a half of pail of water, spooling her full on. She’d taken off chasing him across the field prepared to do battle but he was bloody fast. Sophia panting but determined continued to give chase. Damn he was fast and held a commanding lead. Suddenly he’d stopped short turned to face her and the chase and he was damn fast and held a commanding lead when he stopped short, turned to face her and she’d plowed right into him and taken them both to the ground. Too winded to move, she lay across his chest trying to catch her breath. When she finally could, she immediately tried to lift her body off of his only to find he’d wrapped his arms tightly about her, holding her in place. Pulling her back down he smilingly announced, “We’re a good fit.” Then he’d wrapped a large hand around the back of her neck and pulled her close and kissed her passionately. What’s more, she found herself reciprocating. When the kiss was over she was stunned to realized she wanted more and leaning in, took more. She hadn’t expected this, not his reaction and certainly not hers and as she shared to his rich brown eyes, she saw the passion and excitement she felt reflected there.

She’d offered a hand and helped haul him to his feet. He again wrapped her up in his arms and asked her out on a date the following night. Luckily she’d brought a change of clothes and she’d agreed. They’d walked side by side back across the grassy field and he’d left, a swagger in his stride.

When she’d mentioned it to her grandfather, he’d looked absolutely delighted. “Good. It’s about time!” She’d stared at him in shock.

“What?”

“Wondered when you two would see the light of day your good together. Your a match. I knew it the second I met Hugo.”

“What in the world are you talking about, Grandpa?”

“He’s a firecracker – great sense of humour, serious about his job, but he won’t put anyone before his woman. He’s a caring man – hence his job as a vet. I’ve watched him work and I’d stake my life on his character. I couldn’t ask for more for you and if it works out,” he’d paused dramatically, “I can take all the credit!” She couldn’t help but laugh.

“Grandpa, your a pip!”

As it turned out, she did enjoy her date with Hugo. She’d been amused at the number of women that sent adoring looks his way and to be fair, at six one, handsome as hell, his attitude warm and friendly, she couldn’t blame them. And although he’d been polite, he hadn’t signalled the slightest interest. He had barely taken his eyes off of her face the entire time.

Dinner had been an absolute delight. His soul focus had been centred on her and she was found she was enjoyed the entire evening.

Later that night, sitting in front of the fireplace, she smiled as she reminisced. Damn he’d been fun. She found herself looking forward to their next date. Grandpa, she thought, you might just be right.